Business group to discuss safety, crime-prevention tips

by Eugene Scott - Dec. 2, 2010 12:00 AMArizona Business Gazette

The District 32 North Business Alliance will gather area entrepreneurs to discuss ways to keep businesses safe.

The alliance is a fledgling business association that began in northeast Phoenix this summer. The group, made up of entrepreneurs who own businesses on the 32nd Street corridor, hopes to make District 32 North a shopping destination in the Valley. The 32nd Street corridor is roughly from Shea Boulevard to Bell Road, along 32nd Street.

"We haven't registered with the city yet, but I believe we are pretty much at the place where we are an official group," said Tracy Baumbach, who owns Tracy B Designs, a jewelry store, at Greenway Road and 32nd Street.

A representative from the Phoenix Police Department will share tips on how to keep businesses safe when the alliance meets today.

Public safety was the main topic at the group's first meeting in November, hosted by Baumbach.

"There's a lot of people who have had crimes committed against them or their property in the area," she said. "We've seen a lot of graffiti, and we just want to know how to make our area a safer area."

Business owners hope to raise neighborhood awareness by improving safety and preventing crime.

"Each business and each person needs to be aware of their surroundings and who belongs in the area and who doesn't," Baumbach said. "When I leave, my neighbors are aware of what time I come and go. And if something feels funny, I hope that they will check on me and I check on them. Everybody needs to be looking out for each other."

Tom Murray, owner of Villa La Paws, a pet resort and spa, will host the second meeting at 32nd Street and Shea Boulevard.

"Our first meeting went great, and we had good participation. A lot of ideas were brought up," Baumbach said.

Participants expressed the importance of working together to improve the area's reputation as an established business district. Businesses were encouraged to support each other financially by referring customers to nearby businesses.

For information on the alliance, e-mail Baumbach at Tracybdesigns@gmail.com.